Lavasoft Ad-Aware 9.6 User Manual [nl]
Ad-Aware
Table of Contents
Ad-Aware Overview
What Is Ad-Aware?
................................................................................................................................... 1
Ad-Aware Features
................................................................................................................................... 2
System Requirements
................................................................................................................................... 4
Getting Started
Install Ad-Aware
................................................................................................................................... 5
Registering Your Product
................................................................................................................................... 6
Using Ad-Aware
Main
................................................................................................................................... 9
Scan
................................................................................................................................... 13
Ad-Watch
................................................................................................................................... 25
Extras
................................................................................................................................... 30
Settings
................................................................................................................................... 40
Tray Application
................................................................................................................................... 47
Download Guard for Internet Explorer
................................................................................................................................... 53
Using Ad-Aware's Public API
................................................................................................................................... 55
Using Command Line Parameters
................................................................................................................................... 67
Uninstall Ad-Aware
................................................................................................................................... 70
......................................................................................................................................................... 6Manage License
......................................................................................................................................................... 10Main Status
......................................................................................................................................................... 11Statistics
......................................................................................................................................................... 15Choose A Scan Mode
......................................................................................................................................................... 16Scanning System
......................................................................................................................................................... 16Scan Results
......................................................................................................................................................... 19Scan Summary
.................................................................................................................................................. 20Scan Log File
......................................................................................................................................................... 21Scheduler
......................................................................................................................................................... 22Quarantine
......................................................................................................................................................... 23Ignore List
......................................................................................................................................................... 26Ad-Watch Live
......................................................................................................................................................... 27Process Rules
......................................................................................................................................................... 28Registry Rules
......................................................................................................................................................... 29Network Rules
......................................................................................................................................................... 30TrackSweep
......................................................................................................................................................... 31Toolbox
.................................................................................................................................................. 32Process Watch
.................................................................................................................................................. 34Host File Editor
.................................................................................................................................................. 36AutoStart Manager
.................................................................................................................................................. 37Lavasoft ThreatWork Alliance
......................................................................................................................................................... 40Updates
......................................................................................................................................................... 42Profile Scans
......................................................................................................................................................... 43Ad-Watch Live
......................................................................................................................................................... 44Customize
......................................................................................................................................................... 48Notifications
.................................................................................................................................................. 48Process Notification
.................................................................................................................................................. 49Files Notification
.................................................................................................................................................. 49Registry Notification
.................................................................................................................................................. 50Network Notification
.................................................................................................................................................. 51Events During Do Not Disturb Mode
......................................................................................................................................................... 57API Samples
1 Ad-Aware
Ad-Aware Overview
What Is Ad-Aware?
Ad-Aware is Lavasoft’s industry leading Internet security solution that allows you to combat
stealthy online threats and the latest advancements by cyber criminals. Ad-Aware protects you
from malware that secretly takes control of your computer, resulting in aggressive advertising popups,
sluggish computer activity and even identity theft through stolen private information. Ad-Aware
allows you to root out hazardous content on your system, clearly identify the threat level, and gives
you the ability to remove or block harmful applications and processes, so that your private
information remains right where it should – under your control.
Ad-Aware provides complete malware protection against viruses, spyware, trojans, rootkits, blended
malware, hijackers, keyloggers, and other potential cyber threats, giving you the power to protect
your online security and privacy – so that you can use the Internet how, when, and where you want.
The latest version of Ad-Aware, Ad-Aware Internet Security, is available in two versions: Ad-Aware
Free Internet Security and Ad-Aware Pro Internet Security. Ad-Aware Free is a proactive
malware tool that now provides basic protection against both spyware and viruses. The Pro version
boosts security with deeper layers of protection and other premium features.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
2Ad-Aware Overview
Ad-Aware Features
Smart defense against advanced threats
Comprehensive anti-malware detection - A power-packed combination of our pioneer anti-
spyware technology together with traditional anti-virus to provide comprehensive malware protection,
including protection against viruses, spyware, blended malware, trojans, rootkits, hijackers,
keyloggers, and much more.(Free, Pro)
Ad-Watch Live! Basic - Real-time process protection blocks malicious processes and
infected programs that try to start or run on your system. (Free, Pro)
Ad-Watch Live! Expert - Gives you an additional layer of security by blocking connections
to blacklisted IP addresses. It also adds real-time file protection, network protection,
registry protection, and process protection including behavior-based heuristics scanning. (Pro)
Behavior-Based Heuristical Detection - Extra Sensory Protection allows you to go a
step beyond detecting known threats – the heuristical detection finds and blocks unknown
and emerging threats by analyzing the process and assessing its behavior. (Free, Pro)
Genotype Detection Technology - Based on heuristics, Genotype allows Ad-Aware to
stay one step ahead of today's ever-evolving threats, as well as threats that have not yet
been created. For in-depth information on this technology, please click here. (Free, Pro)
Rootkit Removal System - Protection against hidden threats and stealth attacks. (Free, Pro)
Expert Level Rootkit Removal System - Expert level rootkit technology to uncover and remove
even the most complex monitoring tools, stealth mechanisms and hidden code. (Pro)
The Neutralizer - Advanced removal tool combats malware that attempts to restore itself
even after rebooting your system. (Free, Pro)
Download Guard for Internet Explorer- Provides an additional layer of protection that
lets you download files on Internet Explorer confidently. (Free, Pro)
Your online safety net
Detect, remove AND repair - Ad-Aware intelligently cleans your system by removing all
traces of the infection. (Free, Pro)
External Drive Scanning - Scan your external storage device, iPod, USB’s, or any other
drives that you connect to your PC for an additional layer of security. (Free, Pro)
Network Drive Scanning - Scan network drives so you can detect malware on any shared
disks on your network. (Pro)
Pin-Point Scanning - Right click any file or folder to perform an immediate scan to
determine if it's safe or not. (Free, Pro)
System Restore Point - Set a system restore point so you can clean your PC without fear
of obstructing your operating system. (Free, Pro)
Features to simplify your life
Minimal use of computer resources. (Free, Pro)
Do Not Disturb Mode - Stay protected while watching videos, playing games, or making
presentations in full screen mode - without annoying interruptions or strain on system
resources that other security software programs cause. (Pro)
Customizable Profile Scans - Save time by creating profile scans for even faster, more
efficient scans. (Free, Pro)
Lavasoft SmartSet - Based on expert recommended settings, we have configured your AdAware to make scanning and cleaning your computer as easy as possible. (Free, Pro)
Simple Mode / Advanced Mode - Simple Mode is designed to make using the program
as easy as possible, whereas Advanced Mode will let you customize all the settings as you
choose. (Free, Pro)
Automatic Updates - Continuous pulse updates to guard your privacy against cyber
attacks throughout the license duration. (Free, Pro)
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
3 Ad-Aware
Full Integration with Windows Security Center - Get Ad-Aware protection and status
notifications through the Windows Security Center, if for example, any part of your security
has been turned off or disabled. (Free, Pro)
The Scheduler - Automatic Scans set to your personalized schedule to optimize time and
resources. If used in combination with Lavasoft SmartSet, all you have to do set & forget. (
Free, Pro)
Free Technical Support - Direct, in-product access to the Lavasoft Support Center. (Pro)
Bonus tools for an additional layer of security
Lavasoft Toolbox - Block unsecure and harmful websites with the Hosts File Editor; keep
track of all running processes with Process Watch; reduce the toll on your system with the
AutoStart Manager, and submit suspicious files to ThreatWork Alliance. (Pro)
Command Line Support - Manage Ad-Aware without launching the interface window. (Pro)
Lavasoft ThreatWork Alliance - ThreatWork Alliance allows us to provide the best
protection possible against the newest and most relevant threats, through the help of our
community of security volunteers. (Free, Pro)
TrackSweep - Control your privacy by erasing tracks left behind while surfing the web. (
Free, Pro)
Background Scanning - Save resources by closing Ad-Aware while scanning your
computer – keep working while a scan is performed. (Free, Pro)
Community-Driven Skins - We give you the power to control the look of Ad-Aware. Pick a
new look in our Skin Gallery or design your very own skin (Free, Pro)
Community-Driven Translations - The XML-based language format of the GUI allows you
to edit and upload translated text to share with the world
(Free, Pro)
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
4Ad-Aware Overview
System Requirements
When installing Ad-Aware on Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems, please
make sure you have administrative rights. If you are unsure if you have the necessary permission,
please contact your system administrator or refer to your computer's user guide before installing.
Processor: P733 MHz or better
RAM: Minimum 512 MB
Hard Disk: 300 MB free space recommended
Operating Systems: Windows 7 (32- and 64-bit), Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit), Windows XP (32-
bit), Windows 2000 Pro.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
5 Ad-Aware
Getting Started
Install Ad-Aware
Important note:
Ad-Aware Pro includes full Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Malware real-time protection.
If you use more than one real-time Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware program at the same time, your
computer may experience decreased performance, become unstable, or restart unexpectedly.
Before you install Ad-Aware, we recommend that you disable or uninstall other security-related
programs.
Start Installation
If you are installing Ad-Aware from a CD, insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive. If you
downloaded your copy of Ad-Aware, locate and double-click on the downloaded file to
start the installation.
Language Selection Window
Choose your preferred language and click "Ok."
Welcome Screen
Please read the welcome screen and review the Lavasoft Privacy Policy. Click "Next" to
continue.
Installation
Please read the End User License Agreement before you proceed. When you have
completed reviewing the agreement and if you agree to the terms, check the box next to "I
accept the terms of license agreement", and click “Install” to continue with the standard
installation of the software.
To customize the installation, click "Customize Installation."
Click ‘’Ad-Aware only’’ or ‘’Install Ad-Aware and Google Chrome’’. Click "Install" to
continue with the installation. After the files finish copying, you will receive a confirmation
message that the installation was successful.
Installation Complete
Your computer must be restarted to complete the installation. By default the option to
"Restart now" is ticked. Untick this to restart later. At this point, you also have the option
to enter your e-mail address to receive Lavasoft News and special offers. Click "Finish" to
complete the installation process. Your computer will restart and Ad-Aware will be
completely installed.
Choose the destination folder, and select whether to add the Ad-Aware shortcuts
or not. Click “Next.”
Choose to install/don’t install Ad-Watch Live! and Download Guard for Internet
Explorer by ticking/unticking these options.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
6Getting Started
Registering Your Product
If you have bought Ad-Aware Pro, you will need to register your product in order to use its extended
functionality. The registration is accessed from the main status screen.
If you are using the Ad-Aware Free version, on the “Main Status” screen, click the “Register” button
to access the activation window. If the program is already activated and you want to upgrade or
extend your license, on the “Main Status” screen, click the “Manage License button to access the
activation screen.
Manage License
Enter your serial number in the “Serial number” field and press the “Register” button.
The program will then activate your license and the “Registration Successful” window will open.
Click “OK” to continue.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
7 Ad-Aware
The "Current License" window displays the information about your license.
Your license type (Ad-Aware Free or Pro) and license expiry date are shown.
The hardware fingerprint is a signature of your PC system. At activation, your serial key is
associated with this hardware fingerprint. If you need to transfer your license to a new PC, please
log-in to the Lavasoft Support Center by clicking here, and click the ‘reset serial’ button located just
below your serial number in the ‘My Licenses’ section. Once the serial is 'reset' you will be able to
reactivate Ad-Aware.
If you do not have a serial key or your license has expired and you want to buy a license, simply
click "Buy License" to open the Lavasoft Store where you will find a full description of the extended
functionality Pro version.
No serial number is required to activate Ad-Aware Free. Click “Close” to continue using Ad-Aware
Free. If your license has expired and you want to continue using the free version, please uninstall
Ad-Aware, then download and install Ad-Aware Free from www.lavasoft.com.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
8Using Ad-Aware
Opens Ad-Aware in Advanced Mode.
Opens Ad-Aware in Simple Mode.
Click the ''Main'' menu icon to view the main status screen.
Click the “Scan” menu button to open the “Scan Mode” screen, where you can choose the
type of scan you would like to perform. We recommend updating Ad-Aware before
scanning in order to have the latest Definitions File before you scan.
Click the “Ad-Watch” menu button to open the “Ad-Watch Live” screen. Ad-Watch Live! is
the real-time monitor featured in Ad-Aware. The scanner in Ad-Aware detects and cleans
malware and viruses from your system, but Ad-Watch goes a step further. From the
moment your machine is turned on, Ad-Watch Live! is watching, actually catching these
programs before they integrate and install on your PC. Ad-Watch Live! has three separate
modules of protection: Processes, Registry and Network. Malicious processes and
blacklisted IP addresses are automatically blocked. When a suspicious process or registry
change is detected an Ad-Watch Live! notification window will appear in the notification
area of your taskbar, giving you the choice to allow or block that particular process or
registry change or addition.
Click the “Extras” menu button to open the extra toolbox screen.
Opens the Ad-Aware product manual.
Opens copyright and contributor information about Ad-Aware.
Using Ad-Aware
We know that not all users have the same needs; that’s why Ad-Aware has two modes that allow
you to decide how you want to interact with the program: Simple Mode and Advanced Mode.
On first installation, Simple Mode starts by default. To switch between Simple and Advanced Modes,
click the icon at the bottom left of the screen.
Main Menu Buttons
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
9 Ad-Aware
Click to switch to Advanced Mode, to customize all the settings.
Main
Simple Mode is designed to make using the program as easy as possible, allowing you to “set and
forget” by using our expert recommended settings.
Click the ''Main'' menu icon to view the main status window.
The Main screen displays a simple snapshot of the latest status of Ad-Aware’s main features.
At a glance, you can see if the software is up to date, the latest scan status, Ad-Watch Live! status,
view the latest industry news, contact our Support Team (Pro version) and manage your license.
Click “Web Update”, the Update Manager will open, then download and install any available updates.
The software is automatically updated for your convenience.
Click the "Scan System" icon to run a system scan. The scan is started directly and detected
objects are automatically handled by using our expert recommended settings. A smart scan is
started if a scan has already being run within the last four days, otherwise a full scan starts.
Click the "Ad-Watch Live!" icon to open the Ad-Watch Live! real-time protection screen.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
10Using Ad-Aware
Main Status
Advanced Mode will let you customize all the settings as you choose, to tailor everything to your
specific needs.
The Main Status screen displays a snapshot of the latest status of Ad-Aware’s main features.
At a glance, you can see if the software is up-to-date, the latest scan status, Ad-Watch Live!
events, access the configuration settings, view the latest industry news and manage your license.
You can also schedule scans, and – if you have purchased the Pro version – you can contact our
Support Team with technical inquiries.
When you click “Web Update”, the Update Manager will open, then download and install any
available updates. Before you scan your computer, you should always ensure to have the latest
updates by performing a Web Update. You can configure the way Ad-Aware handles updates in the
update settings.
Click the "Scan System" icon to open the Scan Mode screen.
Click the "Ad-Watch Live!" icon to open the Ad-Watch Live! real-time protection screen.
Click the "Schedule a Scan" icon to configure a scheduled scan.
Click the “Manage License button to access the activation screen.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
11 Ad-Aware
Click “Settings” to open the Settings screen where you can customize Ad-Aware to fit
your needs.
The settings are context sensitive, meaning that when you click on settings for a
particular feature, the settings for that feature open. Use the tabs in the sub-menu to
navigate between different categories of settings.
Opens Ad-Aware in Advanced Mode.
Opens Ad-Aware in Simple Mode.
Statistics
Shows statistics about the objects detected in previous scans.
Choose “Statistics” from the “Display” drop-down menu.
You can choose to display the total or the statistics from a specific time.
Once selected, the “Scan Statistics” table will refresh.
The statistics from a scan run within Simple Mode will also be available in the drop-down menu.
The Scan log file is a detailed information log about the scan. It contains valuable information when
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
troubleshooting errors.
Click "Export Scan Report" to open the scan log file as a text file, which you can save to your
12Using Ad-Aware
system.
Note: The Scan log file will open for the specific screen selected in the drop-down menu.
To reset statistics click the "Reset Statistics" button. This will clear the statistics starting from the
moment you click this button.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
13 Ad-Aware
Scan
Click the “Scan” menu button to open the “Scan Mode” screen, where you can choose the type of
scan you would like to perform - a Smart Scan or a Full Scan.
Once the scan is completed, detected objects are automatically handled by using our expert
recommended settings. The Scan Summary screen shows information about the scan that you
performed.
Once you have reviewed the scan results, click "Done" to close this screen.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
14Using Ad-Aware
Click to switch to Advanced Mode, to customize all the settings.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
15 Ad-Aware
Choose A Scan Mode
Smart Scan
The "Smart Scan" is a comprehensive, fast system check that scans the most critical sections of
your system. The Smart Scan will scan your running programs and application starting points
(applications that are configured to start automatically).This scan mode should be used for daily
system maintenance. If this is your first scan, you suspect that your system has become infected
with suspicious content, or you have used another anti-malware product prior to installing and using
Ad-Aware, we recommend performing a Full Scan.
Full Scan
The "Full Scan" is an in-depth scan mode that thoroughly scans your entire system including all
local drives. We recommend using the Full Scan when you use Ad-Aware for the first time, and at
regular intervals to ensure that your system is clean. The Full Scan takes longer to scan your
system than the Smart Scan, but is more likely to find infections that have been installed on drives
other than your main hard disk or in your archives.
Profile Scan
The "Profile Scan" allows you to easily create personalized scan profiles so that Ad-Aware only
scans areas that you select. Save time by scanning areas where known malicious programs are
located, or choose from 13 different sections to scan, including critical sections, folder selection,
only executables, compressed files, and the Windows registry. Free users can fully customize one
default profile (including file selection, excluding anti-virus). Pro users have no limit to the number of
new profiles they can customize.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
16Using Ad-Aware
Once you have selected a scan mode, click “Scan Now.” Ad-Aware will begin to scan your system,
and the "Scanning System” screen will appear.
Scanning System
While Ad-Aware scans the system, the "Scanning System" menu displays the following:
Scan Mode: Type of scan.
Scan Time: Duration of scan.
Current Section: Section currently being scanned.
Objects Scanned: Amount of objects being scanned.
Objects Detected: Amount of detected objects.
Current Object: Current object being scanned.
Scan Results
The “Scan Results” screen shows information about the scan that you performed and information
about the objects that were detected.
Ad-Aware is designed to report possible suspicious content on your system, give you a
straightforward method to understand the content detected, and then provide a simple way to remove
threats. The detected objects are listed by family and are given a pre-selected Lavasoft “SmartSet”
recommendation defined by Lavasoft experts. Lavasoft SmartSet makes scanning and cleaning as
easy as possible by providing automatically configured settings for scans, and by providing
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
17 Ad-Aware
recommended actions for found objects. Please review each detected item in the scan results
screen before clicking "Perform Actions Now" as you have the final say in what to delete from your
system.
In the “Scan Results” screen, detected objects are grouped by which family they belong to. The
category type, total number of objects, their TAI rating and the action to perform are also shown.
Family
A group of malicious programs that share similar code and behavior.
Category
Provides more information about the behavior of the detected object.
Quantity
The total number of detected objects for each family are listed.
TAI: Threat Analysis Index
Information about the items detected by Ad-Aware can be found in Lavasoft's Security Center, in the
Threat Analysis Index pages. When you scan your computer using Ad-Aware, potential threats are
analyzed using specific criteria. The weights of the criteria are tallied, to give the threat a specific
Threat Analysis Index (TAI) level. This determines if the threat should be added to our Detection
Database, and gives you the power to make quick decisions about what to do with the detected
spyware and malware.
The TAI point system is based on a 10-point scale, with 1 representing the lowest threat and 10
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
18Using Ad-Aware
Quarantine all: Add all objects for a particular family to the Quarantine; isolate and back-up the
object in quarantine, where it does not pose a threat to your system.
Remove all: Delete all objects for a particular family from your system.
Repair all: Ad-Aware will attempt to repair all objects for a particular family.
Allow all Once: Allow the objects for a particular family to stay on the system. During the next
scan, the objects will be detected again.
Add all To Ignore List: Add the objects to the Ignore List; keep the items on your system and
make sure it is not detected in future scans.
representing the highest. A minimum value of 3 is required before the malware is put into detection
at the Lavasoft Security Center.
When creating the TAI level, the behavior of the threat carries a stronger weight than its technical
aspects; if the malware secretly attaches without your full understanding and approval, then the
threat is automatically given higher TAI points. Applications that are difficult to remove and cause
system instability due to poor coding but do not contain any further violations are not considered for
inclusion in the Detection Database. Information on TAI categories and TAI analysis criteria can be
found on the Lavasoft website. See more information on the Threat Analysis Index.
Action
To change an Action click on the drop-down menu under the Action heading.
The following actions are available.
Recommend: A pre-selected Lavasoft “SmartSet” recommendation defined by Lavasoft experts.
Custom: You can change the Action by clicking on "Custom Action" or by clicking on the
description menu at the end of that particular Family.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
19 Ad-Aware
Quarantine: Add the object to the Quarantine; isolate and back-up the object in quarantine,
where it does not pose a threat to your system.
Remove: Delete the object from your system.
Allow Once: Allow the object to stay on the system. During the next scan, the object will be
detected again.
Add To Ignore: Add the object to the Ignore List; keep the item on your system and make sure
it is not detected in future scans.
Repair: Repair detected object (available only for specific objects).
Note: Some actions are not available for all objects. A selected action for a particular family will be
applied only to objects for which the action is available. For example, Tracking Cookies cannot be
added to the Quarantine.
To change an Action for single detected object from the recommended action, choose custom and
select one of the following custom actions.
Set Action For All Objects
In the gray bar at the bottom of the Scan Results screen, there is an option that lets you apply one
action to all families. To do this, you need to tick the checkbox, select the action you would like to
apply from the drop-down menu, before pressing the Perform Actions Now button.
System Restore Point
Before performing actions on objects, you have the option to create a system restore point. A
system restore point allows you to restore your computer to a previous working state, in the event of
a problem. Select "Set System Restore Point" to create a backup, or restore point, of vital system
configurations and files. You should choose to create a system restore point prior to performing
actions on objects that you are unsure of removing.
Select the required action for each object from the drop-down menu and then click "Perform Actions
Now".
Ad-Aware will apply the required action for each detected object and present you with the "Scan
Summary” screen.
Scan Summary
The Scan Summary screen shows information about the scan that you performed and the number of
objects that were scanned, removed, repaired, left on the system, added to the ignore list, and
quarantined. The Result is also shown.
Scan Result
Successful: The specified action applied to this object was successful.
Reboot Required: If it is necessary to restart your computer to remove a file, Ad-Aware will request
that the files be removed during the next system restart. Ad-Aware will instruct Windows to remove
these files at start-up.
Clean Failed: The cleaning action failed. If this occurs we recommend that you run a full system
scan in Windows safe mode.
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
20Using Ad-Aware
The scan log file is a detailed information log about the scan. It contains valuable information when
troubleshooting errors.
Click on the "Export Scan Log" to open the scan log file as a text file, which you can save on your
PC.
Scan Log File
The following information is included in the Contents of the Scan Log File:
Log File Date
Ad-Aware Version
Extended Engine Version
Definitions Database Information:
Information on the Latest Definition File
Lavasoft Definition File
Extended Engine Definition File
Scan Results:
Scan Profile Name
Objects Scanned
Objects Ignored
Objects Detected
© 2010 Lavasoft AB
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